Covering all things Dodgers since Steve Sax was a rookie.

Belisario a Federal Case

Venezuelan reliever Ronald Belisario’s visa problems apparently are in the hands of the U.S. government, manager Joe Torre indicated Wednesday. Belisario is late for Spring Training for the second consecutive year, but this time the delay is believed related to the driving under the influence charge that is pending against him from last summer. The Dodgers have no idea when Belisario will join the club and that’s a problem because the right-hander is out of options and cannot be sent down to the Minor Leagues without risking being claimed by another club.

“Nothing,” Torre said when asked if there was anothing new, “other than it’s tied up in Washington. I’m not sure he can do anything about it. I’m not saying that was always the case, but it is now.”

Management, counting on Belisario to fill a bullpen role, is annoyed that the pitcher didn’t take steps early in the offseason to avoid the mess. — Ken Gurnick

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.